There’s not one Republican in all of America that would take issue with that statement.

First, Election Day is an eternity away. Anything can happen over the next 6 to 9 months.

There’s a GOP primary that’s gonna get nasty and nastier. And the economy could boomerang back into shape quickly.

I am sure Dodd’s plan is to take on a wounded GOP nominee. drop napalm on him/her and make the contest into “the lesser of two evils.”

I’d like nothing more than seeing this seat flip but politically I don’t see Dodd doing anything anytime soon.

That’s right. But Bailey might have been able to arrange an effective visitation. Bailey has been replaced in Connecticut politics by Scooper and a handful of disparate, increasingly nervous party members and journalistic bean counters – who are far less effective in his kind of thing. You recall the impressive delegation that demanded Nixon’s resignation? That group would have been less effective today, because the parties have lost a good deal of their cache. Dodd — and many other incumbent politicians — is his own party. He has his own permanent campaign staff, his own money making finance operation … etc. I’ve written about this elsewhere many times.

Although no Senator of long standing would relish being beaten in a general election, it is still too early to be writing the epitath of Chris Dodd, who remains very popular with his base.In addition, it is still about 11 months away from the general election,an eternity in politics…just ask President Dewey…President Muskie…etc.

Puffy

It’s misleading to speak of the Dems as if there were some sort of official Democratic delegation that could “drop Dodd.” John Bailey, who as party boss in Connecticut used to arrange party tickets in smoke filled rooms, has been dead and gone these may years. There is no such thing.

Dodd might be “dropped” in a primary. But neither of the two possible replacements mentioned here – Blumenthal and Murphy – have expressed any inclination to primary Dodd. Dodd might be “dropped” in a nominating convention. But in that case, Murphy or Blumenthal would have had to gather delegate votes, and there is no indication that either is in the process of doing so.

This means that only Dodd can “drop” Dodd.

There is some movement in this direction. Dodd is being urged by some activist and journalists to surrender his position to someone whose poll numbers are higher than his. Dennis House over at Channel 8 has speculated that someone other than Dodd (SOTD) might be better situated to hold the seat for Democrats. On this blog, Scooper has insistently proclaimed that Dodd should give way to Blumenthal.

But, that’s it.

Conclusion: Only Dodd can make such a decision. And he has not make such a decision.

Dodd says, “No, no. Still running,”

And Heath, if Dodd decides to retire in order to spend more time with his young daughters, there will be no nightmares. Dodd will retire a hero according to the party faithful.

However Linda McMahon will become pure comedy, overnight…”Hey Linda, are you enjoying your expensive but meaningless tour of Connecticut? How’s Putnam doing?”